by Kathy Deutsch

Created on: January 08, 2009

Jeans are iconic pieces of clothing. When you wear them, you are wearing a slice of Americana. Even if the denims are cheap discount store apparel, they are still JEANS. They were invented for hard-working men and women. And by wearing them you are making a ststement. So what goes below the jean? What shoes look correct with these definitive pieces of clothing? Depends on the type of jean and the occasion.

Dressed up jeans-possibly with a crease-are what are worn to college reunion football games (when you are the spectator). These pants indicate casual, but the man wearing them has enough money to have them pressed. With creased jeans, the look of "money" has to travel to the feet as well. The right shoes are brand-new, in-style, clean and polished sneakers. If the occasion does not call for sneakers, sleek, polished loafers in good leather will do. A slip-on is preferable to a lace-up. If you want to look rebellious, a good leather cowboy boot, again, polished, will say alot about you. The color must be expensive-looking: a deep brown, black or russet is good. Only with the cowboy boots can you go nuts with flashy materials; it is almost expected. Otherwise, the key is clean, well-polished shoes with a trim look. No bulk.

If the jeans are trendy, the shoes must be as well. No classic footwear with Rocawear or other "names". The shoes must be a stylish athletic type. The color cannot clash with the pant-so go with either a matching color or white (if that is what's being shown in the stores). Only go with a contrast color IF you are tall enough to handle it. Otherwise you will look cut off at the foot. With a skinny jean, try a co-ordinating color track or soccer shoe. Nothing bulbous. If the jean is flared or baggy, a bigger, bulkier shoe will be good. In this case, buy the jean, then wear it to the footwear store to get the shoe. If trend is the goal, then you must be "up to the minute" all the way.

Finally, there is the classic five pocket jean, either in a slight boot cut (flares a bit) or straight leg. Boots of all kinds look great with this jean. It is the only style that can carry off the hiking shoe or Rockport casual shoe look. Athletic shoes are worn with this understated type of pant as well. The classic jean is the best jean to grab if you are not sure how the shoe will co-ordinate.

A pair of blue (or black or rusty) jeans is more than just a pair of pants. It is stand-out clothing, even when it is being casually worn. The right pair of shoes will accentuate the clothing and the wearer.

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